It is truly unbelievable to me, even with how frigging LONG it seems like I’ve been pregnant, that in roughly 18 days we will have a new member of this family. EIGHTEEN DAYS. I’m reeling.

We had our home visit yesterday, mostly to make sure that we had all of the supplies and that our midwife could find our house (no problem there!), and I realized that it really is time to get stuff set out to be ready for The Day. Contractions have been increasing in frequency and intensity, and our little Roo has gotten a nasty little habit of groping my cervix (or so it feels). According to our midwife, signs are looking good that we may go even sooner than 18 days… though, of course, there’s no guarantee. I’m not counting on it.

It is nice to be in the safe zone, finally, for having the birth happen here, given no unforeseen complications. She is free to arrive any day now, and we can at least avoid going to the hospital immediately. I feel pretty confidant that we will avoid a hospital altogether, and that’s a relief.

I don’t know if I’m effaced or dilated, and, honestly, I don’t think I want to know just yet. Labor will happen when it happens. I’m hoping that it won’t actually start until after the 10th when my grandmother is set to arrive. She’s SO excited to be there for the birth because, though she’s had 3 children of her own, she has never seen a baby younger than 12 hours old. She was completely under for all three of her deliveries (“Twilight Births,” they were called), and she has been a huge supporter of my desire to do natural births with both of my babies, due to her disappointment with her experiences. It’s an amazing feeling to think that I may be able to provide a “First” for my grandmother.

Cole and I continue to do well together, though I think I may need to enforce a little more routine in the day. I’d also like to do more projects with him, so today we’re going to buy some better art supplies. He’d really like some nicer paints, good painting paper, and scissors that he is allowed to use. I think we can take care of those modest requests.